Lots of big bills this week. Some that are big because they are being hyped up, some that are big because there’s half a dozen bands on the bill, some are both.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
The Breeders, Sweet Tooth
MONDAY JUNE 22nd at The National
Holy moly, I’ve been looking forward to this one. The Breeders are on the big stage this week. If you don’t know them already, they are responsible for all your favorite modern bands. They propelled the indie/college rock sound to places no one had attempted before and cemented themselves as one of the most important bands to come out of the ’90s.
There is something about them that is so freeing. You put on “Divine Hammer,” lay upside down, and let all the problems of the world fade away.
We’ve got Sweet Tooth in support. This is a young but ferociously talented group out of West Virginia, but from what I understand, Richmond should be seeing a lot more of them. They are a healthy mix of indie, grunge, and pop rock, but largely you could call it alternative.
The vocals from this band are unmatched. They are relaxed but definite and have a bit of an ethereal edge to them. They pair that with some really catchy and clever riffs, and quickly you realize there are no skips here.
Subhumans, Total Chaos, Noogy, The Iron Roses
Saturday June 20th at Richmond Music Hall
U.K. anarcho legends Subhumans are back at the Richmond Music Hall. They swung by about two or three years ago at the same spot. Now, I did leave with a black eye from a stage diver’s combat boot, but it still stands out as one of the best performances I have ever seen.
If you do not know them, Subhumans are one of the hardest-hitting groups to come out of the European sect of punk and hardcore. The group are no spring chickens, but they still hit the stage like they are 19 and on the dole. If you want an idea of what this band is all about, give “No” a listen. It just about sums it up.
Joining that lot is another stack of dedicated anarchists in the likes of Total Chaos. These Californians are pure speed and spit. Their sound definitely gravitates toward that UK82 sound. Think The Exploited and GBH. This is a band that you can absolutely thrash around to. It is a prime sound to throw yourself headfirst into whatever wall dares to be in front of you.
Continuing our widespread mix of bands, we have Noogy from Texas. The group has a lot of that spunk and slight reggae/ska element found in early Rancid. Noogy is politics first, which I always appreciate. They are telling you what you are getting and pairing it with some incredible bass parts.
Last up, we have Iron Roses. I got to see an early iteration of them at The Camel some five years ago and thought it was amazing. This group is definitely focused on putting a positive message first. They get you hopeful for a better future. Their dual vocals have been working really well and give the band a lot of energy.
Juneteenth featuring Cassidy Snyder and the Wranglers, Shormey, Robalu Gibsun, Habeed, Sweet Potatoes, Heavy Petting, KingS
Friday June 19th at The Camel
We have an absolutely STACKED bill for Juneteenth this year. This is a big bill, so I will try to do justice to the insane amount of talent in this lineup.
Cassidy Snyder and the Wranglers are a must-see band for any Richmonder. They are a blues outfit with unmatched vocal talent. There is a certain level of theatrics to the delivery that makes the whole experience of seeing them larger than life. It seems to teleport you to another place or another time, but you are too focused on the stage to notice.
Shormey is coming from up Chesapeake way. Shormey’s music is a rich and deep fusion of dance and psychedelic funk that propels you out of your seat and into motion. It is a fantastic blend of concrete reality and the untouchable waves of dreams.
We are turning things toward some heavy spoken word and hip hop with Robalu Gibsun. His sound is lo-fi and smooth, with the vocals spilling like water over sleek rocks.
Next up, we have Habeed, a standout freestylist. He is one of those artists that seems utterly effortless, able to spin together words and phrases that are both complex and well thought out.
Sweet Potatoes is on the scene, and they are pretty damn unique. The group has a fluid and lively jazz sound that is backed by a number of classical backgrounds among its members, including some absolutely amazing violin work. This outfit has the experience and background to really set them apart, and I think you will be able to tell when you see them.
Let’s get a little bit tougher with Heavy Petting. This blend of hardcore and hip hop is something that has really been catching my attention as of late. H.P. is intense and hits like a train, supplying the tunes for everyone who wants to get loose in the pit at this show.
Last up is Kings. They have fewer tunes out, but they are clearly a force to be reckoned with, drawing on a broad background in other local acts. you can read our write up on Kelli Strawbridge and Kings HERE.
Roughshod, Shagg Carpet, Said, Never, Twin Films
Saturday June 20th at The Camel
This crazy lineup has come together for something I have wanted for a long time: new Roughshod tunes! The group is releasing their sophomore EP, following up last year’s single, “I Can’t Be Your Girl,” which was a consistent listen in the Griffin Smalley household.
The group nails a balance of vulnerability and strength, pain and passion, the tangible and the surreal. Their sound is rooted in indie rock, but they have no hesitation when it comes to reaching into goth, punk, and a wider alternative sound. They host some of the best vocals in town, and if you think it sounds good on the recordings, it sounds even more incredible in person.
Shagg Carpet is a group I cannot stop writing about. They are a little bit of everything, but I would say their synthesizers really help set them apart sonically. The group has no shortage of character and charisma, and I think that helps bring me back time and time again. Last year’s Shagg Carpet album, Hurting Other People, was probably my top local release of the year, so it is safe to say I believe in Shagg Carpet.
Said, Never is bringing a pop rock sound to the stage. They are going to be a little bit softer than the other bands on the bill, so you can kick back and enjoy the good vibes.
Rounding it all out, we have Twin Films! These guys are everywhere at once, playing everything at once. They blend indie rock, pop, and electronics to create a truly unique sound. Luckily, that unique sound is based right here in Richmond, Virginia. They always put on a super high-energy show, so if you have not been a part of it yet, now is the time.
Weird Nightmare, Cor De Lux, Jupiter Shrines
Wednesday June 24 at Richmond Music Hall
Indie rock/power pop act Weird Nightmare is taking up one of the bigger stages this week. W.N. is touring their second record, Hoopla, which came out this spring. This group is the solo project of METZ guitarist and singer Alex Edkins, who seems to be hitting his stride with it.
This is prime summer music. It is upbeat, fun, easy to dance to, and puts a smile on your face. The whole record is great. It’s catchy but still maintains a nice level of depth. I think this is going to get heavy rotation when the windows are down.
Coming up from North Carolina is Cor De Lux. They played Richmond a few months ago and put on a great performance at Get Tight. They are a mix of angular post-punk and dreamy pop that gets you moving in all sorts of different ways.
We have one local on the bill, Jupiter Shrines. They are bringing soft and gentle indie tunes that will make you feel like you are all wrapped up. There is some really great lyricism in songs like “All We Wanna Do” and “Crop Circle Cheetah,” the latter of which brings out a more rocking sound.
NEW RVA TUNES
‘Farm X’ by Twin Films
Twin Films pumps these singles out like they are behind schedule at the factory. “Farm X” is their new tune, it leans hard into their more synthetic, electronic, and dancey sides. I think this will work quite well as a good hype up song in their set. I can already picture crowds bouncing around to that staccato drum machine and waving to that catchy synth melody.
Main Wednesday, photo by Graham Tolbert
Support RVA Magazine. Support Independent Media in Richmond.
At a time when media ownership is increasingly concentrated among corporations and the uber wealthy, RVA Magazine has remained one of Richmond’s few independent voices. Since 2005, the magazine has provided grassroots coverage of the city’s artists, musicians, and communities, documenting the culture that defines Richmond beyond the headlines.
But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2, one-time or recurring, helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE.
We’ve got merch HERE
Subscribe to the Substack HERE
And Reddit HERE
And YouTube HERE
